Sterling raps 140 Pub's knuckles

STERLING — Acting on noise complaints from several residents, selectmen voted to impose a 60-day probationary period on the liquor license for 140 Pub.

The pub, on Redemption Rock Trail (Route 140), has been the subject of complaints from neighbors about loud music and the roar of motorcycle engines. The hearing was held to discuss allegations that the pub violated the town's noise bylaw on Memorial Day, May 27.

A resident of Redemption Rock Trail, David Mack, has filed several noise complaints claiming that if the owner, Stephen Kilcoyne, could not control the noise coming from the pub, he did not deserve a liquor license.

Several Sterling residents added their thoughts at Wednesday night's hearing.

"It's a privilege to hold a liquor license, not a right. I want to protect my rights. ... and my rights are being violated," said David Gibbs of Redemption Rock Trail.

Another resident, James Gardner, who moved to Sterling in 1973, said he knew there would be noise near the establishment because it was near a restaurant. He thought there was no harm in police monitoring activity at the pub when it served alcohol, but said that blaming noise from customers' motorcycles on the business is not right.

Selectman Brian Patacchiola asked Mr. Kilcoyne if any of his employees had spoken with him about the large crowd the night of the violation. Admitting that the business was short-staffed that night, Mr. Kilcoyne read a statement in which he explained that using the pub as a scapegoat for motorcyclists' bad behavior would not fix the problem.

"Overstating and prosecuting perceived infractions of our license may create the appearance of dealing with the problem, but the problem will still exist until the noise ordinances and Registry rules are enforced," Mr. Kilcoyne said.

According to the probation that was unanimously supported by the three-member board, if the pub violates the probation in that time frame, its liquor license will be suspended for two days.

In other business, selectmen voted to fill several open positions on boards and committees.

For the empty seat on the Wachusett Regional School Committee left by former member Norman Plourde, the board voted 2-1 to appoint resident Lisa Call. Selectmen Robert Cutler and Ronald Furmaniak voted in favor of Ms. Call's appointment, while Mr. Patacchiola voted against it.

The board also interviewed James Joyce and Jim Patacchiola. Elizabeth Pape, who had also applied for the position, was unable to attend the meeting.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.